IAB publishes 3rd semi-annual report on UAE's peaceful nuclear energy program

Abu Dhabi, Nov 16, 2011 (WAM) - The International Advisory Board (IAB), a body mandated to provide an independent assessment of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, published its third semi-annual report yesterday. The report reflects the discussions and meetings that took place in Abu Dhabi in March, 2011. In attendance at these meetings were all members of the Board of the IAB and UAE entities operating in the nuclear energy sectors, such as the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). All five areas of responsibility of the Board were addressed in the various discussions and reports including: Safety; Security; Non-proliferation; Transparency; and Sustainability. "This is the third report of the International Advisory Board on the development of the United Arab Emirates Nuclear Power Program," said Dr. Hans Blix, Chairman of IAB. "We note with satisfaction that our earlier recommendations have been or are being carefully considered and implemented." "The members of the Board are also pleased that all nuclear entities reporting to it showing a strong commitment to transparency and to the goals set for the Board." The newly-published report addresses the progress made on the recommendations made in the second report published on August 2010. The report also provides further ideas and recommendations on improving and enhancing the UAE's nuclear energy program. The report is available to the general public on the IAB's website. http://www.uaeiab.ae. The International Advisory Board (IAB) was established to provide the UAE peaceful nuclear energy program with the benefit of the expertise and knowledge of a highly select group of internationally recognised experts in the fields of nuclear safety and security, non-proliferation and the development of human resources. The IAB consists of nine members, and are chosen from among world recognised experts in nuclear science, non-proliferation, regulatory affairs, energy generation and distribution, reactor operations, waste management, human resources development and related fields. The IAB nine members are Dr. Hans Blix IAB Chairman who served as Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency for four terms, from 1981 till 1997, Jacques Bouchard, Special Advisor to the Chairman of Centre de Saclay-France, Dr. KunMo Chung, Former Minister of Science and Technology-Republic of Korea, Ambassador Thomas Graham, Executive Chairman of Light Bridge Corporation-USA, Takuya Hattori, President of Japan Atomic Industrial Forum Inc. (JAIF), Lady Barbara Judge, Chairman of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, Dr. Mujid Kazimi, Professor of Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Jukka Laaksonen, Director General of Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority - Finland, Sir John Rose, Chief Executive of Rolls - Royce plc. - Emirates News Agency, WAM